Chapter summary
अर्चकनियम: Arcaka Niyama:
The Rules for the Priest
**The Blessed Lord said:**
Having approached a preceptor (Ācārya) and received initiation according to the prescribed rules, having thoroughly learned the scripturally mandated method of worship, and having diligently studied the Vedas, the priest, imbued with Vedic conduct, should undertake My worship. He must bear the traditional tuft of hair (śikhā), wear the sacred thread (yajñopavīta), and be clad in a clean garment, its lower part properly tucked in (baddhakaccha). (v.1-2)
Such a priest should be calm, self-controlled, of a cheerful mind, detached from worldly attachments, with his senses fully conquered. He must be observant of all prescribed rules, including daily bathing and the *sandhyā* rites, ever pure and untiring in his service. His speech should be measured, his anger subdued; though averse to worldly people, he must be gracious towards devotees, full of unwavering faith, and a true connoisseur of devotional sentiment. (v.3-4)
Indeed, such a superior priest is worthy of bringing Me under his control. I am eternally subordinate to such a priest and, through his dedicated service, I extend My compassion to all humanity. (v.5)
Conversely, when I behold a priest of low character—devoid of proper conduct, engaged in bad actions, ignorant of sacred *mantras*, and entangled in worldly affairs—approaching to touch Me, I am truly afraid. (v.6)
For the purification of his teeth and limbs, the priest should first perform his ritual bath. Having completed his obligatory *sandhyā* rites, he should then enter My temple. Once inside, he should perform the necessary cleaning and other duties, and respectfully light the lamp. Thereafter, with devotion and faith, he should gather the articles for My worship. (v.7-8)
These articles include a full pot (*pūrṇakumbha*), a seat (*pīṭha*), various vessels for worship, sandalwood paste, a bell, a conch, sacred Tulasī leaves, and fragrant flowers. Incense, a lamp, food offerings (*naivedya*), and My *pañcāmṛta*—all these should be brought for worship with faith and then meticulously arranged in the designated area (*maṇḍala*). (v.9-10)
Having removed the previous day's offerings (*nirmālya*) and then cleaned My idol, he should state the place and time, and then make the ritual resolve (*saṅkalpa*). Following this, he should perform the worship of the pot (*kalaśa*) and the conch, ring the bell with devotion, and then perform the worship of the seat (*pīṭha*). Next, having performed the purification of the elements (*bhūtaśuddhi*), he should meditate on Me as situated within his own heart. From his heart, he should then invoke Me into the idol placed before him. (v.11-13)
Having seated Me on the throne, he should then offer water for washing the feet (*pādya*) and for the hands (*arghya*), using water scented with cardamom, all with profound faith and devotion. After offering Me *pādya* and *arghya*, and similarly water for sipping (*ācamana*), he should daily anoint Me with *pañcāmṛta* in the proper sequence. Milk, yogurt, ghee, sweet honey, and sugar—this combination is declared as *pañcāmṛta*, which is excellent and exceedingly pleasing to Me. (v.14-16)
Thereafter, he should respectfully anoint Me with fruit juices, with coconut water, with fragrant sandalwood paste, and with other auspicious scents. Embracing Me with love, just as a mother embraces her child, and having gently wiped Me with a cloth, the pure priest should then offer the fragrance of incense. He should then adorn Me with garments, the sacred thread, and ornaments, apply sandalwood paste and *kumkuma*, and place a beautiful flower garland upon Me. (v.17-19)
Then, having performed worship with flowers, accompanied by the chanting of My divine names, he should daily offer pure, sacrificial food of four kinds. Subsequently, having worshipped My attendants (*pārṣadas*) and offered the *bali* offering according to the rules, he should take the holy conch water, waving it around My head. (v.20-21)
After offering betel leaves (*tāmbūla*) and then pure drinking water, he should perform the auspicious waving of lights (*maṅgalārārtika*) accompanied by the resonant sound of musical instruments. Then, he should fan Me with devotion using a *cāmara*, a fan, and other such items. Having performed circumambulation, prostration, and begged for the forgiveness of any offenses, he should joyfully sing, dance, and respectfully recite hymns in My praise. (v.22-23)
Finally, having received My divine foot-water, the sacred Tulasī leaf, and the consecrated food (*prasāda*), he should then perform the final distribution (*viniyoga*). (v.24)
In the evening, having lovingly completed the *sandhyā* rites, he should worship Me according to his ability and perform the *maṅgalārārtika*. Offering milk, various eatables, and betel leaves with love, My priest should daily perform My sleeping ceremony (*śayanotsava*). The awakening (*prabodhana*), decoration (*śṛṅgāra*), food offering (*bhoga*), rest (*viśramaṇa*), waving of lights (*ārārtika*), singing (*kīrtana*), swinging (*ḍolā*), and putting to bed (*śayana*) should all be performed. (v.25-27)
O Caturmukha [Brahmā], Ekādaśī, Saṅkrānti, Amāvāsyā, and also the Śravaṇa *nakṣatra*—these are celebrated as the five festival days (*pañcaparva*). On these *pañcaparva* days, one should worship Me with special devotion, observing festivals, anointments (*abhiṣeka*), and the chanting of My names. Likewise, when an extra month (*adhika māsa*) occurs in the lunar calendar, one should worship Me, the Puruṣottama, with special faith. (v.30-32)
During Cāturmāsya, My devotee should worship with great concentration, observing specific vows during My sleep (*śayana*) and awakening (*utthāna*). (v.33)
Similarly, Śrī Rāma Navamī, Śrī Nṛsiṃha Caturdaśī, Kṛṣṇa Janmāṣṭamī, and Śravaṇa Dvādaśī—these holy *tithis* are exceedingly pleasing to Me, there is no doubt. On them, one should perform worship, *japa*, fire sacrifices (*homa*), observe vows, and engage in *kīrtana*. (v.34-35)
One should certainly abandon the Ekādaśī *tithi* that is mixed with the Daśamī. Similarly, in all vows, one should abandon a *tithi* that is mixed with the previous one. (v.36)
In the month of Caitra, based on My birth constellation, one should perform the Brahmotsava. In the month of Vaiśākha, a Vaiṣṇava should perform My Vasantotsava (spring festival). The Jyeṣṭhābhiṣeka should also be performed in the month of Jyeṣṭha. Then, on the Ekādaśī of Āṣāḍha, the Śayanotsava (sleeping festival) should be observed. (v.37-38)
On the full moon of Śrāvaṇa, the Pavitrotsava should be performed. Similarly, in the month of Bhādrapada, My turning over (*parivartana*) ceremony. Likewise, in the month of Āśvayuja, My Ḍolotsava (swing festival) should be performed. In the holy month of Kārtika, My awakening (*utthāpana*) ceremony. (v.39-40)
In Mārgaśīrṣa, the Lord should be worshipped especially at dawn, and having offered *mudgānna* (rice and green gram), the Adhyayanotsava (Veda recitation festival) should be performed. In the months of Puṣya and Phālguna, especially on the full moon day, a great festival should be performed for Me along with devotees and Bhāgavatas. On the full moon day in the month of Māgha, the float festival (*plavotsava*) should then be performed. On the full moon of Phālguna, the marriage festival (*vaivāhikotsava*) should be celebrated. (v.41-43)
Thus, the ninth chapter, entitled "The Rules for the Priest," in the Fourth Part of the Divyadeśavaibhavam, composed by Śrī Kṛṣṇapremi Mahāprabhu.
